Hydralazine (Injection)

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins. It may also be given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• You will receive this medicine in a hospital or surgery center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• This injectable form of hydralazine is not for long-term use. Your doctor might have you switch to hydralazine that you take by mouth as soon as you are able.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a medicine to lower your blood sugar such as diazoxide (Proglycem®).
• Tell your doctor if you take an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.Tell your doctor if you have heart or kidney disease, lupus, or if you have had a stroke. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any preservatives.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, or sore throat.
• Pain, itching, burning, or swelling where the shot is given.
• Skin rash, or blisters.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Anxiety, agitation, or depression.
• Appetite loss, constipation, nausea, or vomiting.
• Headache, fainting, or light-headedness.
• Muscle or joint pain.
• Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
• Stuffy nose or watery eyes.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Introduction

Hydralazine (hye-DRAL-a-zeen)

Treats high blood pressure and heart failure. This medicine is given to people who cannot take hydralazine by mouth. Belongs to a class of drugs called vasodilators.

Brand Name(s)

Novaplus HydrALAZINE Hydrochloride